Space Launch Delta 45 Breaks Launch Record in 2024
Despite the Space Force’s bold plans for 2025, many in the space industry believe that US launch capacity may be nearing its zenith.
Launch
Stories about the companies building a ride to space.
2024 Orbital Launch Attempts by Country
In 2024, US (*ahem, SpaceX*) launch numbers grew, while China, Russia, and Europe plateaued.
What to Expect in 2025
2024 was a record-breaking year for the global space industry. More launches from more spaceports brought more satellites into orbit, and 2025 is expected to be no different.
2024 Top 5: Launch
There was no shortage of launch news in 2024. From the debut of new rockets to the retirement of old workhorses, from leadership changes at some startups to others pivoting away from the launch industry all together, it was a year filled with shakeups in how platforms get to space.
Texas Space Incubator Awards Rocket Club Grants
A nonprofit working to develop the space workforce pipeline in Texas has awarded its first two grants to rocket teams at Rice University and Texas A&M, the cofounders of the group told Payload.
Virgin Galactic Considers Launching From Italian Spaceport
The aim is for the Grottaglie Spaceport to serve as a Mediterranean homebase for Virgin’s suborbital commercial and scientific crewed spaceflight, which has been on pause while the company works on its next-generation space tourism vehicle.
Ukrainian Small Launcher Finds Refuge in the US
Promin’s plan is to hire as many as a dozen US engineers in the coming year who will build Promin 1 with guidance from the engineers who remain in Ukraine.
NASA Pushes Artemis Lunar Landing To 2027
While the news is a setback for the Artemis mission, officials said the adjusted timeline will still ensure the next boots on the Moon are American, not Chinese.
SpinLaunch Raises $11.5M To Hurl Sats Into The Sky
“The next phase, obviously, is building out an orbital-capable launch system.”
Rocket Lab Does the Daily Double
The company has now flown 14 Electron missions this year.
Starship Hired To Fly Two Lunar Rovers
The first Lunar Terrain Vehicle is expected to touch down in 2029.